We were in exile at BWV

[Dancind]

Just returned from Orlando with a 6 night stay at BWV, and then 3 days at Portofino Bay. We checked into BWV on May 4 about 5:30 pm, and were given a smoking 1 Br. This in spite of a 6 mo. reservation for non-smoking (medical). We returned to the front desk and waited another half hour (while our groceries sat on a cart), to be told that there were NO non-smoking 1 BR available. I was getting a bit upset, thinking about spoiled groceries and missing reservations for my birthday dinner at Flying Fish. I was ready to go to OKW, but DH reminded me about all the PS etc. we had made that were in the BW area. The resolution was groceries into cold storage for the night and we went to dinner while a preferred studio was arranged. It takes 20 minutes to switch reservations around, apparently. So we spent the night in the studio, didn't even unpack, and checked out and back into a 1 BR the next day. Not a pleasant solution at all, but the queen bed in the studio was actually the most comfy bed of our trip! The 1 BR we were assigned the next day was the last unit at BWV, 1135. I'm not exaggerating, if you look at the map, it's at the exit closest to MGM. We didn't go out on our patio at all, it overlooked an algae pond and we saw large mosquitos right outside the door. The upside to this was library-like quiet, and a fairly easy walk to MGM. Our point difference went into hold, but Member Services said they are going to try and put them back in our account. We were just wondering if the BWV staff knew we actually own at OKW, and that's why we were treated like second class citizens! Diana

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I am sorry you had such a bad experience. I have to say that I cannot imagine that the CM's would treat you differently because you own at OKW. Last Fall I went up to the Check-in area and explained that we were to check-in to OKW (where we own) that afternoon. We stated we would like to stay at BWV and they made the change for us on the spot. No problem at all. We actually got a studio overlooking the Boardwalk.

I hope they are able to get your points back into your account for you. Keep us posted.

 

[JonHM]

I can't see that your owning at OKW would have ANY effect on your treatment at BWV. It's weird that you didn't get a non-smoking room - although they grant the room requests based on when you made the ressie, and 6 months is not that far in advance, it WAS for medical reasons. I was under the impression that if they know it's for a medical reason that they'll bump someone else for you. That's really weird.

You know, I've been wondering lately if people who get in very early in the day wind up with an advantage over those arriving later on having their requests fulfilled. I know that they changed the system on how these requests were granted some time in the last year, and I *think* I remember that part of what they changed it to does factor in what's available at the time you arrive.

 

[Dancind]

Jon Hm, I did wonder about that. And I'm sure that the renovation cut down the number of rooms, though they appeared to be mostly preferred view rooms. But I still find it odd that they didn't tell us we were getting a smoking room, even with the medical reason noted on our reservation. Just a bit put out by the hour spent in line TWICE, I guess. The BW CM's seemed to be in slow motion. Oh, they did offer to "ionize" the smoking room, which we declined. Diana

 

[JonHM]

I have heard that the Ionizer, while it helps, doesn't *really* help, not if you're sensitive to the smoke. Was your 1BR ressie for a standard view or preferred view?

 

[AnnK]

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I don't think that the CM's would treat you differently because you own at OKW, I doubt it even notes on the ressie where a member owns.
It is my understanding that non-smoking is a request ( even medical reasons) and last time I spoke to MS they said all requests would be granted according to when a member reserves. Six months is really not that much when others are reserving at 11 months. We stayed at OKW a few years back, asked for first floor, medical reasons ( Grandparent) and were given the THIRD floor, so there really aren't ANY guarantees at any DVC resort.

 

[DeeP]

I am so sorry to hear about your problems but I am glad that BWV was able to help you and that you were able to get a non smoking studio for the first night with your points getting returned and also were able to get a non smoking 1BR the next day for the remainder of your trip. I am sure you were not treated any differently because your home resort is OKW, the only thing that shows on the reservation is that you are a DVC member not which is your home resort. Smoking/nonsmoking is considered a request and unfortunatley 6 months ahead is not a lot of time for a BWV reservation, BWV books up very quickly at the 11 month mark and requests are honored in the order they were made. I know how frustrating this is because the same thing happened to us at BWV in Dec with a smoking room and our reservation was made 10 months in advance (and our home resort is BWV). The Ionizer did help us alot though. We were not able to change rooms and stayed in the orginal room the whole stay, they were all booked up and there was no other room. Between it being Christmas and rooms being closed due to the renovations I was not surprised there were no other available rooms and we understood the front desk was doing the best they possibly could. I guess you were upset and did not think about them putting your groceries in the refrigerator right from the beginning when there was a problem, luggage services would have been happy to do this for you, I hope none of your groceries spoiled.
We are on our way to BWV in just 16 hours, I will have to check out the algae in the pond, we love the pond and visit the ducks daily, if it is full of algae I will be so upset and will say something to management--there is no reason for this. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip.

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by DeeP
I will have to check out the algae in the pond, we love the pond and visit the ducks daily, if it is full of algae I will be so upset and will say something to management--there is no reason for this.

Not to pick nits here, but it IS a pond. Algae is a natural occurance and (usually) a healthy thing for the wildlife that live in/on or use it. Now if it were a pool I would say something, but not a pond.

 

[DebbieB]

We parked at BW one night last week and I noticed the pond was full of algae. It was not like that in December. Maybe because of the hot weather? I noticed the water levels were down all through WDW. We stayed at OKW in building 31 facing a pond and you could see the water level was down probably 4 or 5 feet (where the grass ended and the water started).

 

[PJMPA]

WDWGuru-Thanks for picking nits! I hate conspiracy theories!

 

[doubletroublemom]

Why don't they make all rooms non-smoking. After all, many restaurants and offices don't permit it. Nor does Disney Cruise Line...not in the rooms anyway.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by doubletroublemom
Why don't they make all rooms non-smoking. After all, many restaurants and offices don't permit it. Nor does Disney Cruise Line...not in the rooms anyway.

Wow, I think I know how you got your DIS board user name!

I must say that in reading this board often the past year, I haven't heard of too many "non smoking" requests being unavailable. Seems like the medical reason should be bumping up over prior requests, IMHO. I mean, I don't want a smoking room but it wouldn't affect us other than the smell.

 

[PKK/MJK]

What a shame to have to endure such a hassle. My DD and her DH had a similar situation two years ago when they checked in for their honeymoon. The non-smoking for medical reasons should be given first priority--and I believe it usually is. I'm glad you finally got everything straightened out. Hope they return those points to your regular account.

 

[Steve BW99]

I always see that non-smoking requests for medical reasons should be given priority over all others. Why should the reason for the request factor into the decision to whom the room goes, as opposed to who requested the room first? If I booked a two-bedroom for two people should we be bumped into a one-bedroom or studio since my decision was only based on the comfort afforded by such accommodations and a family of 5 physically challenged individuals need the space?

I purchased at the resort I want to stay at in order to get my 11-month window. This advantage allows me piece of mind knowing I will not only get a room when I want it but also the type of room I want. I have gone through the extra effort to plan a trip a year away (as many of you know, not always an easy task) and would not be pleased to have this mean nothing.

As with all request, non-smoking rooms should be distributed based on time of request only. If a member has medical reasons for the request my advice is buy where you want to stay and book 11 months out. DVC sticking to this rule would prevent a lot of whining about the accommodations.

It is not stated anywhere non-smoking is guaranteed if you utter the magic words, “medical reasons”. I don’t think points should be returned as opposed to remaining in a holding account because a preference was not met. And I believe the $40 (I think that’s the right amount) room transfer fee should be applied.

MHO

 

[ng6ny]

I wish the 11 month rule about requests always held true, but it didn't in my case. Last year, I reserved a non-smoking studio at HH by calling in each day at exactly the 11 month period.

We got sidetracked and arrived a little later than usual (8:00 PM), they only had a smoking unit available. They ionized the room and it wasn't all that bad for us. So, I don't see how I shouldn't have been near the top of the list for requests if we are under the theory that they are granted based on time of reservation.

From now on, I will always try to check in before 4:00 PM.

 

[Hilary]

Sorry to hear that your checking-in was troublesome

Unfortunately checking in early just isn't possible for everyone. However, early booking of accommodations probably is!

Our transatlantic flight times usually mean we're lucky if we arrive in the resorts before 7:00pm. If I've gone to the trouble of booking accommodation 11 months out and made a request then, I don't see why I should find 'my' requested room has been allocated to someone who maybe booked only last week, but was able to check in a few hours earlier than me.

I do appreciate that medical reuirements are important, but maybe if they are important to someone, that would make them more likely to make a request as early as possible.

(Yes, I know it isn't really 'my' requested room - I was just making a point )

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by Hilary
Our transatlantic flight times usually mean we're lucky if we arrive in the resorts before 7:00pm. If I've gone to the trouble of booking accommodation 11 months out and made a request then, I don't see why I should find 'my' requested room has been allocated to someone who maybe booked only last week, but was able to check in a few hours earlier than me.

I agree 110%! Even just coming from Salt Lake, due to flight schedules we CAN'T get into the Orlando airport before 4:30. That means, best-case scenario, we don't get checked in anywhere before 5:30. We shouldn't be penalized for geography and flight schedules beyond our control. And I also agree that those who make it a priority to book 11 months out should get priority on requests, period. If it's really that important, those who need/want specific requests will make it a point to book.

It's like booking an Illuminations cruise, a PS for Cindy's breakfast, etc.... if it's really that important to you, you'll make a point to book it at the first opportunity.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by WDWguru


Now if it were a pool I would say something, but not a pond.

"Pool, pond...pond would be good for you!" - Caddyshack

 

[yesdisneyfool]

Originally posted by JonHM
You know, I've been wondering lately if people who get in very early in the day wind up with an advantage over those arriving later on having their requests fulfilled. I know that they changed the system on how these requests were granted some time in the last year, and I *think* I remember that part of what they changed it to does factor in what's available at the time you arrive.

This happen to us. During our most recent trip (5/10) we arrived at 2:30am (5/11 - last minute travel changes). Although we did get a non-smoking room, it was on the 2nd floor and next to the OKW resort entrance (Noise all day & night). We alway request - not guaranteed (11 month window ressie)
1)Non-Smoking
2)First Floor
3)OKW Buildings

On every trip except the last we've always gotten all 3 request - BUT WE ALWAYS CHECKED IN BEFORE 1:00PM.

 

[Mic]

We ARE BWV owners, and we have not had much luck with requests or views since we have owned. At first, I made reservations for preferred view with the request of BW view(like everyone else, apparently). In 3 trips, I was able to see the clown's face twice, and the side of Community Hall(not the front, but a side view of C. Hall and the quiet pool) once. The room was the very last room on the hall, so the walk was quite loonngg, which I would not mind if the view was better. I decided that was the last straw, so now I reserve only standard view, if available. At least this way, I have a general idea of where my room will be so I am not disappointed again. Since we have a child with asthma, I always request non-smoking first, since it is most important. We have stayed at OKW a few times in less-than-ideal locations, and I wondered if we had second-best rooms because we are BWV owners(which I am OK with, but it did cross my mind). I am not sure if check-in time has anything to do with room location. I was under the impression rooms were assigned a few days before check-in. For the record, I checked-in at 9 am for the room at the very end of the hall, and the bell boy laughed all the way down the hall(at 4 pm, of course). Maybe the addition of BCV will help with BWV requests.